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Physical
Education
Children are taught physical
education in primary school so that they develop good movement skills,
become confident physically, and so that they learn to co-operate and
compete with good grace.
In the Infants (Key Stage One), children learn games, gymnastics and
dance; in the Juniors (Key Stage Two), they continue with these and
athletics, outdoor/adventure activities and swimming are added. However,
schools may choose to teach swimming at Key Stage One.
Games
Children develop the skills of physical agility (such as running
and dodging) and ball skills, such as throwing and catching, working
singly and in small and larger groups. They explore different kinds
of games - in the Juniors, these will include simplified and/or cut
down versions of familiar team sports such as netball, football, rounders
and cricket - and develop their understanding of the tactics needed
to play them.
Gymnastics
Children learn to move in a controlled way on the floor and on various
pieces of gymnastic equipment. They explore travelling and balancing
in various ways using their hands and feet. They learn how to develop
sequences of movements, and how to rehearse and perform them.
Dance
Children explore ways of responding to music by moving in controlled
ways, such as skipping, turning, jumping and balancing. They learn to
change the rhythm, speed and direction of their movements in order to
express their feelings and reflect the mood of the music. They will
also learn some traditional dances.
Athletics
Children develop the skills of running, jumping and throwing. They are
encouraged to try to improve their personal performances.
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
Children explore outdoor activities. For instance they may be taught
orienteering - that is, how to find their way around an area (eg, the
school playground, a local park or other suitable place) by using maps,
compasses and following directions. They may learn to negotiate obstacle
courses both individually and in small groups. In both cases they are
encouraged to develop initiative, problem solving skills and group co-operation.
Swimming
Children are helped to become confident in the water, and to understand
and practice water safety. They learn how to float, tread water and
swim using a variety of strokes. By the end of Key Stage 2, children
should be able to swim at least 25 metres unaided.
Back to National Curriculum
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